Like the Cleveland Cavaliers, ranked No. 10 in my NBA power rankings offseason edition, the New York Knicks are coming off their best season in years. The Knicks’ 47-35 record in 2022-23, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference, was their best record since 2012-13 when they won 54 contests. New York also won their first playoff series since that year, just their second postseason appearance in the past nine years.
2023-24 NBA Power Rankings Offseason Edition: No. 9 New York Knicks
New York’s 47 wins was a 10-victory improvement over the previous season. The free agent signing of Jalen Brunson, who led the Knicks with an 8.7 win share, was a major reason for their improvement. Brunson posted some career-high numbers with 24 points and 6.2 assists, along with 3.5 rebounds. He also drained two treys per game with a shooting slash line of 49/42/83. The Knicks went 40-28 in the 68 games Brunson played.
While Brunson was the main reason the Knicks made a drastic jump last year, he was not the only one. The team’s trade deadline deal for Josh Hart was just as important. Hart was a boon for the Knicks on both ends of the floor.
Julius Randle had an excellent bounce-back campaign after struggling during the 2021-22 season. Quentin Grimes took a step in his development, while Immanuel Quickley was one of the best sixth men in the league. Meanwhile, RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson had solid seasons.
While New York was fourth in offensive rating, the Knicks ranked in the league’s bottom half in shooting percentage. They were 20th in field goal percentage, 19th in three-point percentage, and 22nd in free throw percentage. Defensively, the Knicks were 13th in opponents’ points per game and 19th in defensive rating, as fouling and defending the three-point line were an issue.
New York did very little this offseason. The Knicks re-signed Hart and brought in free agent Donte DiVincenzo. The Knicks also traded Obi Toppin to the Indiana Pacers.
Best Offseason Move: Re-Signing Josh Hart
Hart, who the Knicks acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline, chose to forego free agency by exercising his player option. The Knicks rewarded Hart’s loyalty by giving him a four-year, $80.9 million extension, including a player option for the 2027-28 campaign. By keeping Hart in the fold, the Knicks now have 10 players under contract for 2024-25.
Extending Hart was vital for the Knicks to keep continuity and was a significant reason for them earning their first playoff series win in years. Hart was huge for the team on both ends of the court as they posted a 23-13 record with him, including the postseason.
Before Hart joined the Knicks, New York ranked ninth in offensive rating at 115 points and 15th in defensive rating at 113.4. However, following his arrival, the Knicks increased their offensive efficiency to 121.2, which ranked first in the league during the stretch from the trade deadline to the end of the season. The Knicks’ rebounding also improved, and they did not foul as much with Hart as they had before.
Hart is not necessarily a scorer, but he is a good shooter. More importantly, the 28-year-old is versatile, does all the little things, and distributes the ball well. He finishes well around the rim and is an excellent rebounder and a plus-defender.
He could start at small forward or come off the bench once again. Regardless, Hart is expected to see time at power forward on the second unit. Hart, like Brunson, played well for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup.
Worst Offseason Decision: Trading Obi Toppin
New York trading Toppin to Indiana didn’t really make any sense. Unless the Knicks figured they would do more this offseason. They received two future second picks for the 25-year-old power forward.
Toppin’s production dipped from a season ago, but his departure leaves the Knicks with only a few options at power forward on the second unit – besides Hart. Part of the reason the Knicks could have decided to part ways is because Toppin took a step back defensively. Toppin, a free agent following the upcoming season, is slated to make $6.8 million this year, so the trade could also have been a salary dump.
An honorable mention goes to the Knicks for not trading Evan Fournier. Fournier was exiled by coach Tom Thibodeau last season due to his shooting woes and total ineptness on the defensive end. To make a deal, the team needs to find a trade partner, which the Knicks have yet to find. Fournier will make $18.8 million this season and is essentially on an expiring contract. So, New York may keep him sidelined until around the trade deadline.
What’s Next: Head To Training Camp
New York has a full training camp roster, including 14 players on standard contracts. The Knicks also have all three of their two-way spots accounted for. Therefore, unless the Knicks decide to add a veteran free agent like Cameron Payne or Kelly Oubre Jr., they appear set to at least start the season with the players they have.
I expect the Knicks to carry just 14 players on their opening day roster, with Isaiah Roby and DaQuan Jeffries, who are on nonguaranteed contracts, included. The lone exception (if the Knicks don’t bring any veterans in) is if Duane Washington Jr. is unbelievably impressive during camp. Washington is the only player among the Knicks’ four training camp invitees not on an Exhibit 10 contract.
